Even if it takes years, it'll be worth it, right? I've been riding since I was eight. I took lessons for a long long time, mostly in english, then switched to western once I came to college. Now I do both. I'm graduating at the end of April, and then I'm heading to a summer job where I'll be starting two year olds under a Reining trainer. I'm a little envious of you who just ride for the joy of riding, but working with horses in some way is the only thing I can see myself doing, so it was the natural career choice... it just makes it a little more stressful than what I'd really like.
I tried riding English only once, and, I thought I was going to die. I had nothing to hold onto! I was much happier in my western saddle with my big saddle horn that makes it incredibly hard to take pictures.
The few times I rode, lets just say I could barely move for two days after...it hurt so much! I salute to regular riders *takes imaginary stetson off*
Well, it depends on what you're breeding for, but Arabians are a very well built horse. Some of the strongest.
I have never tried riding Western, there's a of couple saddles in a tack shop here as a novelty next to the others, and they look so huge and bulky! Tho they're meant to be very comfy, so I hear..I'd like to try riding in a Western saddle one day as it looks like you get way more support than a normal English one, Western one looks like an armchair! my sort of riding..? Oh yeah and the Arab thing - they are the best endurance horses from what I've seen, and they are so pretty!
Ooh, I love it. They're perfect if you just want to relax on a ride. That's what they were built for. Cowboys needed them big, bulky, and to have a back for those longggg cattle drives. You know what breed I want to own someday? A marwari. There are only about 600 in the world. And only ten in the US! Dunno about the UK... I love love love them. They're soo pretty.
The Indian government regulates their breeding pretty heavily. (I think it's indian...) So, it's really tough to get them. Especially in the states.
I'm surrounded by Connemara ponies, or at least I will be when the mares and foals are turned out in a few weeks time. I need to get on with the fencing or they will be wandering around the house again The mares are unbroken four year olds but they are getting to know me and one of my favourite things to do is to lean with my back against the gate and the "lead mare" - the bossy one - rests her head on my shoulder and closes her eyes when I rub her cheeks and ears. How do you get pics on here? I have some nice shots I took last year but whan I hit "insert image" it asks for a URL.
Was he imprinted? I bet yes, guessing by the pictures you posted. If so then it's mostly a matter of getting it on him and letting him get used to it. When you teach him to lead and tie it would be wise to use a butt rope so you have control of the body as well as the head so he doesn't hurt himself. I learned on way of doing a butt rope where you have a big loop that goes around the rump, crossed over the withers and then you slip it through the bottom ring on the halter. That way it works kind of like a lead rope for the body and you can tie with it too. Anyways, have fun! Working with babies is so rewarding, they learn so fast. Dalouise, I think you have to have your pictures uploaded to the internet before you can post them (I use photobucket). Then just copy the location url form there to here. Hope that made sense. I love ponies, so I look forward to the pictures!
Yup, Marwaris are Rajasthani. They're sort of an indigenous species hence the reason for government control. My Uncle has a Marwari of about 14.8 hands, I'll see I can get his pics, unfortunately Raja is sort of high-tempered, hurt a mare pretty bad wile mating once. They're real strong horses-a fine breed.
Thanks, I should have realised that as I have photobucket! I'll sort it out this morning and post later.
Ah, I was hoping you'd come and clarify for me. It's been a long time since I've read the magazine article that made me want one so bad, so the facts were a bit fuzzy.
Great picture, Dalouise! I worked at a show barn near Calgary AB that had a bunch of Connemara ponies. They are amazing! 13hh and winning the 3ft pony hunters. One even went to the Spruce Meadows Skyliner competition and came away 2nd overall. I'm proud to say I mucked his stall. One day I will own one.
^ Dalousie - lovely picture, my friend has a connemara X throroughbred, those crosses make great competition horses..pony determination, larger TB physique..
Sometimes the 'mistakes' turnout to be the best kind of horse. I wouldn't trade my Heinz 57 for the world.